Why choose us for home care in Bremerton, WA?

Todd and Lizzie O'Neill purchased the Home Instead franchise in January 2015. The O'Neill's have three daughters who were all born in Bremerton where Todd worked in a local family furniture business for ten years post college. In 1996 the O'Neill's felt led to pursue work with a non-profit youth outreach ministry, Young Life. After 19 years with Young Life in Enumclaw and Bellevue Washington, the O'Neill's explored new business opportunities and found Home Instead. Serving people is very rewarding and they have built a great team at Home Instead. You will often hear Todd say, "our clients come first!" And they do. Todd and Lizzie also enjoy time with their five grandsons.

Alyssa was born in Germany and has lived in many places throughout her life while her dad served in the Air Force. She recently moved to Hawaii, with her husband, who currently serves in the army, and 2 boys. She enjoys photography, running and traveling with her family. Alyssa has been working with seniors since 2011, starting as a server in a Retirement Community as her first job. This began her love for seniors and caring for them. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a minor in American Sign Language. Her love for Seniors never diminished, which led her back to working directly in a Retirement Community as an administrative assistant. Alyssa joined our team at Home Instead in 2020 and loves working every moment.

Vonnette came to Home Instead with a desire to utilize her skills and experience, doing something positive, after losing her father to Alzheimer’s in 2024. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of seniors and the people who care for them. Coming from a large extended family, she spent many hours with older generations. These connections created a strong compassion and respect for our senior community. She cared for her parents for the last several years and had a unique opportunity to see Home Instead’s Care Pros from the family’s viewpoint. Her job as the Operations Manager gives her the ability to have an impact on family members and seniors in Kitsap during a time that is emotional, stressful and overwhelming. Her goal is to make sure that we provide consistent quality care. Being a Navy Veteran with extensive experience in health care and mental health has given her a rare perspective. She loves being part of a team, collaborating and working towards a goal, while celebrating the special gifts and talents of each individual. She prides herself in being resourceful and kind. Outside of work, she loves to do DIY projects with her husband, assemble jigsaw puzzles, and go on adventures with her friends. Her family is her heart, and any time she gets to spend time with them is precious.

Lorena Hernandez is a Registered Nurse who worked full time at Kitsap Mental Health for six years. With a heart to serve others, Lorena came to Home Instead as a part-time Care Professional to provide care to another vulnerable population in our community. In accepting the position as our franchise office Training Coordinator in 2018, she strives to teach new and experienced Care Professionals the importance of providing a caring and safe environment for our clients. Lorena provides an empathetic heart and listening ear to our staff. She teaches with the desire to spread love for our older generation through our Care Professional.

Stephanie spent most of her life in Southern California and moved to Washington in 2024 with her husband and two children. She spent many years in the restaurant business and in childcare working with toddlers and infants. After losing her mother- in-law to early onset Dementia, she felt a drawn to help Seniors as a Home Care Aid. While working as a Care Pro she was given the opportunity become the Business Development Advisor in Bremerton and help share the work of Home Instead with the community. It was the perfect transition for her! Outside of work she enjoys hiking, watching movies with her family and hanging out with her French Bulldog Lenny.

Matthew was born at Bourne Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He lived in Alaska until he was seven before moving to Southern California, where he grew up and attended the same high school as his mother—and Frank Zappa. Throughout the 1980s, Matthew played in bands in Hollywood, California (with a full head of permed hair!). He was also a regular on a public-access music television show and even hosted his own show in the 1990s. Matthew has two wonderful adult children. In 1993, he gave up everything to follow them to Vancouver, Washington. He also has two beautiful grandsons, and in 2015, he once again left behind a job and a band to move closer to his family and start over. He says it was the best decision he ever made. Before joining Home Instead, Matthew served as an Executive Director in senior care for 20 years, working in assisted living, memory care, and independent living.

Heidi Gafford is a Pacific Northwest native who loves everything about it, even the rain. She recently returned to the work force after 15 years of staying home to raise her sons. Prior to that she worked in a variety of accounting roles. Heidi joined the Home Instead team, in October 2021. She enjoys her role as finance director as well as being able to interact with the elderly and their families to ensure they are getting the best service possible. When not at work or running her boys all over town, she enjoys long walks and painting.

Tami comes to Home Instead from Bellingham, Washington. She has three wonderful children and six amazing grandchildren. She worked at St. Joseph's Medical Center for 16 years as a CNA/Office Coordinator. Tami moved to Sequim, Washington in 2014 where she spent her time helping a family member. She worked for the Sequim Home Instead Office for two years as a CNA before relocating to Port Orchard and transferring to the Bremerton Home Instead Office as the Office Coordinator. Tami loves serving the elderly and has been involved in this line of work for 25 years.